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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Analyzing the Functions of Mast Cells In Vivo Using 'Mast Cell Knock-in' Mice
Published on: May 27, 2015
Role of mast cells in airway remodeling
Yoshimichi Okayama1, Chisei Ra, Hirohisa Saito
1Division of Molecular Cell Immunology and Allergology, Advanced Medical Research Center, Nihon University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Itabashi, Japan. yokayama@med.nihon-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
The extent of airway remodeling correlates with severity of asthma. Persistent airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is associated with airway remodeling, but not with inflammation. The increase in ASM mass is recognized as one of the most important factors related to AHR and to the severity of asthma. The infiltration of ASM by mast cells (MCs) is associated with the disordered airway function. The mediators such as tryptase and cytokines from MCs can modulate ASM cell function and induce goblet cell hyperplasia. MCs were found to contribute to the development of multiple features of chronic asthma in MC-deficient mice. Therefore, MCs play an important role not only in immediate hypersensitivity and late phase inflammation but also in tissue remodeling in the airway.
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